Metro News Release

For immediate release: December 30, 2011

Metro announces weeknight track work to advance track circuit replacement efforts Red Line single tracking during evening hours January 3-5

Metro will continue work to replace track circuits on the Red Line — a key step in restoring automatic train control operations — on weeknights beginning Tuesday, January 3. The work will take place between Friendship Heights and Medical Center, beginning at 10 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Tuesday, Jan. 3, and Wednesday, Jan. 4: Beginning at 10 p.m., Red Line trains will single track between Friendship Heights and Medical Center to allow for track circuit replacement, and between Takoma and Forest Glen for station and platform rehabilitation. During this time, Red Line trains will operate about every 24 minutes in each direction with additional trains departing Gallery Place following events at Verizon Center. Customers should allow 20 minutes of additional travel time.

Thursday, Jan. 5: Beginning at 8 p.m., Red Line trains will single track between Friendship Heights and Medical Center to allow for track circuit replacement; beginning at 10 p.m., trains will single track between Takoma and Forest Glen for station and platform rehabilitation. Red Line trains will operate about every 15 minutes in each direction from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and every 24 minutes thereafter. Customers should allow 10-20 minutes of additional travel time.

Additional weeknight work is planned over the next several weeks on various sections of the Red Line. Customers are encouraged to check wmata.com for details.

Other weekday track work during the week of January 2-5

Red Line

Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, trains will single track between Van Ness and Friendship Heights for rail and tie renewal. Minor delays expected.

Orange Line

Tuesday through Thursday, beginning at 10 p.m. each night, trains will single track between Smithsonian and Eastern Market for prep work associated with an upcoming NTSB-recommended switch replacement project, and between East Falls Church and West Falls Church for work associated with Dulles rail service. Allow 10 minutes of additional travel time.

Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, trains will single track between Clarendon and Ballston for rail and tie replacement. Minor delays expected.

Blue Line

Tuesday through Thursday, beginning at 10 p.m. each night, trains will single track between Smithsonian and Eastern Market for prep work associated with an upcoming NTSB-recommended switch replacement project. Allow 10 minutes of additional travel time.